My favorite type of party food is when there is a spread of appetizers to graze on to my heart's content. Bite size apps and dips add such a fun variety that are meant to be enjoyed in any order. I feel these kind of parties really encourage good conversation and enjoying company. The flavors in these Apple & Goat Cheese Crostini meld beautifully together and create a beautiful appetizer to share.
What You'll Need
- Baguette - a long 12 oz. baguette cut diagonally into ½ inch slices will give you anywhere from 28-30 slices. Toasting it in the oven gives it the perfect amount of crunch.
- Goat cheese - I've said this before, but I've just recently come around to the flavor of goat cheese. When it's paired correctly it is an awesome cheese.
- Honey - one of those awesome pairings for goat cheese is honey. The little sweetness along with the tang of the goat cheese works perfectly.
- Apples - use a good baking apple that will hold it's shape well when cooked. I prefer Honeycrisp or Fiji. I leave the skins on as I like the color it gives the crostini. These are cooked in a skillet on the stove along with water, lemon juice and cinnamon.
Making the Crostini
Start this recipe by toasting the baguette slices. Cut the baguette diagonally into ½ inch slices and place on a large baking sheet. Brush or drizzle each side with olive oil. Bake at 375 for 7-8 minutes.
While the baguette is toasting, place goat cheese and honey in a small bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip until smooth.
Next, slice apples and place in a skillet along with water, cinnamon and apple juice. Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. The apples will start to get tender but will retain their shape. A cinnamon sauce will form and cook into the apples giving them great flavor. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
To assemble, spread a nice layer of goat cheese on a baguette slice. Think about the amount of peanut butter you'd typically put on toast. Top with an apple slice and sprinkle with chopped pecans. You may have to help the pecans stick on by placing them more on the goat cheese.
Prepping the Apple & Goat Cheese Crostini Ahead of Time
When entertaining, I love a recipe that allows for much of the prep to be done ahead of time. This saves so much time and lets you enjoy more of your party rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
The components of the Apple & Goat Cheese Crostini can be made ahead of time and assembled at party time. Toast the baguette slices and store in a plastic bag. Whip the honey and goat cheese together and keep in the fridge. The skillet apples can also be cooked, cooled and kept in the fridge until ready. I would take the cold ingredients out of the fridge 30 minutes before you are ready to assemble the crostini. Goat cheese along with other cheeses taste better at room temperature.
Add these Apple & Goat Cheese Crostini to your next party menu! The presentation is pretty and the flavor is even better!
Other appetizer ideas:
Honey Cinnamon Candied Almonds
Apple & Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 12 oz. French baguette
- 4 oz. plain goat cheese
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 2-3 apples Honeycrisp or Fiji
- 1 tsp. cinnamon ground
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- ¼ cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Slice baguette diagonally into ½ inch slices. Lay on baking sheet in a single layer. Brush or drizzle both sides with olive oil and bake 7-8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Place goat cheese and honey in a small bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip until smooth.
- Slice apples into ½ inch slices. Make 4 cuts around the core, then cut those pieces into slices. Place apples in a skillet with cinnamon, water and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- To assemble, spread a layer of goat cheese onto baguette slice. Top with an apple slice and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Repeat with remaining baguette slices. Place on a serving tray.
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